Aquinas Pilgrims of Hope at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival

 From this Sunday through to next Tuesday, 15 Aquinas students and 4 staff will mark the conclusion of this Jubilee Year in our Catholic Church by joining the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. These members of our community will resent Aquinas at this unique opportunity to join with young Catholics from across the nation to deepen and celebrate their faith together in a joyous festival atmosphere. We offer our Aquinas ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ our prayers of support, in the words of Pope Francis’ Jubilee Prayer:

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

Splendour in November: THANK YOU!

Thankfully, Wednesday’s multiple stormfronts gave way to clear blue skies by mid-afternoon to welcome both current and new families to the ‘Splendour in November’ evening. Following our liturgical celebration at the Family Mass, the Middle Years precinct was packed for the next few hours as families were entertained by a huge array of our outstanding student musicians on three separate stages, along with drama performances and artist and fashion displays. Thank you to the hundreds of families who joined this joyous community celebration of our student talent and hard work, and thanks to the staff who supported our students and fed everyone at the BBQ.

Please see below for further reports and photos from the evening.

Stage 1a of the Master Plan has begun!

Over the past fortnight, families may have noticed the first outward signs of Stage 1a building commencing. As the first section of this stage involves renovating the lower floor of the current Year 9 building to create upgraded kitchens and an upgraded Health Centre, portables have been temporarily placed in the Thomas St staff carpark, necessitating provision of additional staff parking near the Great Ryrie St drop-off zone. We anticipate the new Food kitchens will be in use by students in Term 2 next year, which will then enable current kitchens to be renovated to create new music rooms to open in Term 3. The final and most extensive section will begin in June 2026 with the demolition of the 60-year old music buildings to create the new Year 9 learning building and outdoor learning and recreation spaces.

2026 Timetable changes

As part of our continual commitment to improvement, minor changes will be made to the 2026 timetable to improve both student pastoral care and staff professional learning to support classroom innovation.

Most school days will begin at 8.50am to enable both a 15-minute morning Mentor time and 5-minute movement time before period 1 classes.
THRIVE period will move to Tuesdays to ensure every student can attend every week. This means that the 8.30am early start will move to Tuesday.
While the conclusion of the school day will remain at 3.20pm, on two Thursdays per term each class will be shortened by 5 minutes for a 2.50pm finish to enable ongoing staff professional learning (this will be instead of one full-day staff PL). The dates for the early finish will be confirmed in the College Calendar and listed in the Principal’s letter at the start of 2026.
Christmas & holiday blessings

While there is still a full week of school for all students, this is our final edition of the Lighthouse for 2025. On behalf of the College, I thank all students, staff and families for the ways you have enriched our Aquinas community across 2025 and wish all members of our community a happy and holy Christmas, and a safe and refreshing holiday break.

(Click on the image for a clearer view of the dates)

David Broadbent

School Principal

Thank You to Our Aquinas College Community

As we come to the end of the school year at Aquinas College, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our students, families and staff for the warm welcome I have received in my first year as Deputy Principal at the College. It has been a privilege to join this wonderful community, and I am grateful for the support, openness and trust that have been extended to me throughout the year.

One of the highlights of 2025 has been witnessing our students succeed and grow both in and beyond the classroom. Their willingness to challenge themselves, contribute to the life of the College, and uphold our values has been consistently inspiring. Whether in academic pursuits, the arts, sport, social justice initiatives or everyday acts of kindness, our young people continue to show us what is possible when they feel supported and encouraged.

I also want to acknowledge the dedication of our staff, whose professionalism and genuine care for students form the foundation of our success. Their commitment to building strong relationships and providing rich learning opportunities is evident in every corner of the College.

To our families, thank you for your partnership, feedback and encouragement. Strong relationships between home and school enable our students to thrive, and I am grateful for the collaboration we have shared this year.

As we head into the Christmas season and the summer break, I wish all members of our community a safe, restful and joy-filled holiday. I look forward to continuing our work together in 2026 as we build on the momentum of a positive and productive year.

Jess Alger
Deputy Principal

 Spiritually Speaking: Advent

This Sunday marks the first week of Advent where the first candle, the HOPE candle, is lit. It is the start of preparations for the coming of Jesus and the hope and joy he brings into our lives. Hope has been the theme for this Jubilee Year and through advent we get another opportunity to express hope in our lives.

Over this past week and into next week, our Years 7 - 9 students will experience an end of year liturgy focusing on advent and the meaning behind the advent wreath. At this liturgy they will receive their core value badge, having successfully completed the pastoral aspects of the year. Similarly, our staff participated in a accreditation session which also discussed the symbology and faith behind the advent wreath. As part of this session they discussed ways we demonstrate or witness hope, peace, joy and love at Aquinas.

Advent is a time of waiting, wonder and hopeful joy which we sometime lose in the busyness of our daily lives. I would like to share “A Christmas Blessing” by Joyse Rupp:

May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden treasures it contains.

May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ.

May the honor given the Babe of Bethlehem be that which you extend to every guest who enters your presence.

May the hope of this sacred season settle in your soul.

May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land.

May the wonder and awe that fills children’s eyes be awakened within you.

May it lead you to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too easily take for granted.

May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather with your family and friends around the table of festivity and nourishment.

May the coming year be one of good health for you.

May you have energy and vitality. May you care well for your body, mind, and spirit.

May you go often to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the One who offers you peace.

May you bring this peace into our world.

Joyce Rupp, out of the ordinary—prayers, poems, and reflections for every season

Tania Grace
Assistant Principal Mission

Celebrating Our Staff and Community

As we approach the end of another academic year, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks, on your behalf, to our wonderful staff - both teaching and non-teaching -who help make Aquinas such a special place. The Aquinas community has so much to be grateful for, and it has been lovely to see many cards and conversations with staff, expressing appreciation, over the past few weeks.

We have also been busy recruiting for 2026 and look forward to welcoming some of our new staff at the staff Orientation session in a few weeks time.

We will also farewell several staff members at the end of the year and I thank them sincerely for their contributions to the Aquinas community and wish them every success in the future.

I wish all our staff, students, and families a blessed Christmas, a restful holiday break, and I look forward to seeing you in 2026.

Gina Goss
Assistant Principal - Staff

Navigating the Transition to VCE Assessments

Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend Splendour in November and the VCE Parent Information Session. I would like to highlight one of the topics discussed: a shift in students' experience of assessment as they move from Years 7-10 into VCE.

As students progress from the Victorian Curriculum in Years 7–10 to Year 11 and 12 VCE subjects, the way they are assessed changes. The Victorian Curriculum focuses on the development of knowledge and skills over time. Teachers assess students against achievement standards and report on how confidently and consistently they are demonstrated. This approach emphasises learning growth and individual progress rather than a ranking. Assessment in years 7-10 report in percentages to describe the portion of the task completed accurately, whereas assessments in VCE are reported two ways - Satisfactory/Non Satisfactory and a grade.

VCE assessments are formal and standardised. Students complete School-Assessed Coursework (SACs), School-Assessed Tasks (SATs) and external examinations that are measured against criteria set by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). For most, these assessments contribute to a student’s study score and an ATAR. VCE grading focuses on performance under controlled conditions and ensures comparability across the state rather than just a class result. Understanding this difference helps students to recognise the increased responsibility that comes with senior studies.

Unlike in Years 7-10, student performance in Units 3/4 can affect their peers' results. Completing SACs at the same time ensures fairness, accuracy and continuity. Different conditions for individual students may become unfair if they influence rankings. For this reason, attendance at SACs is essential. Absences must be reported, and documentation such as a medical certificate is required to authorise them. This is a requirement for all Units 1-4. Achieving this expectation successfully in Year 11 reduces the pressure when moving into Year 12.

It is important that students and families understand VCE assessment requirements so expectations are clear and students can manage the greater organisation and commitment needed. Families can support this by encouraging attendance, consistent study routines, and open communication. The school supports student organisation by providing a schedule for SAC’s, cycle plans to break down the homework required to address a Unit of study, the subjects study design and both class, additional learning resources and a place to complete focussed study (SH@AQ) or the ARC. Furthermore, teachers guide and encourage students to develop their organisational skills to develop confidence in raising their commitment.

Key elements of VCE assessment include:

SAC conditions: SACs are completed under controlled, supervised conditions with time limits and restrictions on resources to ensure fairness for all students within Aquinas and across the state.

Authentication rules: These rules ensure all submitted work is genuinely the student’s own. Students must show evidence of their learning. Teachers follow VCAA rules on acceptable assistance, meaning they can model, explain and provide examples of work but not write or heavily edit student work.

Carefully planned classwork and homework, provides students with the opportunities to develop their ability to prepare for SAC’s. Students who consistently complete development activities and seek feedback build strong learning habits and confidence in their approach towards an assessment. Commencement weeks support students develop good practices in engagement in classroom learning and homework to ensure a prepared start to their VCE years.

Please keep an eye out for the VCE Parent Information email being sent to all parents of VCE students. It will contain the full presentation from Wednesday night.

Rachel Crawley

Head Senior Years

Finishing Strong: Reflection, Gratitude and Organisation

As we approach the end of the year it is a timely opportunity to reflect on individual growth and look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead. During THRIVE sessions; students have been writing reflections on their personal accomplishments, identified goals for the next year and developed strategies to achieve them.

This time of the year provides us all an opportunity to show gratitude to our peers and those who have provided support. A small ‘Thank You’ can often make a person’s day.

As part of wrapping up the year, students will be cleaning out their lockers. We encourage each student to do this as a staged process. Taking home a few books each day will be more manageable than bringing a very heavy bag home at the end of the week.

Sam Storey
Head Middle Years

As this year draws to a close and we begin looking forward to what next year brings, it's important to take a moment to acknowledge the final days of this school year. For Year 11 students, this has consisted of starting transition classes, and stepping into their role as Year 12 students. This year has passed in a blink of an eye, and when we look back, it is amazing to see all that we have accomplished, both individually and as a cohort and wider community. Whether it was succeeding in a challenging subject, taking on leadership opportunities, building new friendships, or simply persevering through the tougher moments, each of us has something to be proud of. To everyone, I ask that you take a moment to reflect and celebrate the achievements you have made this year, big or small. As we move into next year, there’s a sense of excitement and renewed motivation -for everything we’ve achieved so far, and for all the opportunities still waiting for us.

Across the wider-school population, our Year 10 students have just about completed their final exams, marking the start of their VCE journey. We wish these students all the best for the next two years, as well as those who have completed their accelerated Year 11 courses. For our Year 9s, activities week is around the corner. We would all like to congratulate you all on completing the end of your Junior Years at Aquinas, and we wish you a warm welcome to the Senior Years. We are certain that the upcoming year, even with its new changes, will be an amazing time to develop further as both individuals and as a community.

The people we have developed into over the past year will indubitably continue to change over the upcoming year. We wish you all a very early, yet very merry, Christmas. Thank you all.

Ria Jijose and Oliver Mees

2026 School Captains

A Sustainable Christmas: Spreading cheer without costing the earth

Christmas is a wonderful time of year filled with joy, generosity, and celebration. But with all the festivities, gift giving, and decorating, it can also be a period that creates a significant amount of waste. By making conscious, eco-friendly choices, we can still enjoy everything we love about the season while treading more lightly on the planet. Here are some simple, practical tips to help you celebrate a more sustainable Christmas this year.

1. Support Local Growers and Makers - Create a festive feast using produce from local farmers’ markets. Choosing seasonal, locally grown ingredients not only tastes better - it also cuts down on carbon emissions from transport.
2. Decorate With Native Beauty - Bring the outdoors in with Australian native plants like wattle, eucalyptus, and banksias. They add a uniquely Australian festive feel and support local biodiversity.
3. Wrap Gifts the Eco-Friendly Way - Swap traditional wrapping paper for reusable gift bags, fabric wraps, recycled paper, or even children’s artwork. It’s creative, personal, and reduces unnecessary waste.
4. Give Experiences, Not Things - Gifts like wildlife park passes, surf lessons, craft workshops, or tickets to cultural events create lasting memories while avoiding excess packaging.\
5. Light Up Responsibly - If you’re using fairy lights, choose solar-powered or LED options. They’re energy-efficient, cost-effective, and you can set timers to avoid lights being left on overnight.
6. Recycle and Compost Wisely - Holiday gatherings often mean more packaging and food scraps. Make sure recyclables go in the correct bin and compost what you can—your garden will thank you!
7. Explore Secondhand and Handmade Treasures - Local op shops, artisan markets, and handmade stalls offer unique gifts with a smaller environmental footprint. Plus, you’re supporting local communities and small creators.
8.  Reduce Single-Use Items at Gatherings (optional extra idea) Choose reusable plates, cutlery, and napkins for parties. It adds charm and cuts down on landfill.
9. Choose Thoughtful Kris Kringle Themes (optional extra idea) Encourage “pre-loved,” “home-made,” or “experience-only” gift themes for work or family Kris Kringles to make gift-giving fun and low-waste.
10. Give a Gift That Gives Back: Make a Donation - If you’re looking for a meaningful, sustainable gift, consider donating to an environmental organisation on someone’s behalf. It’s a thoughtful way to reduce waste while supporting programs that protect our natural environment, restore habitats, or empower local communities to live more sustainably. Many organisations offer digital certificates or gift cards, making this a low-impact, high-impact gift!

A local organisations you can support:

Croydon Conservation Society - https://www.croydonconservatio...


By weaving even a few of these ideas into your celebrations, you can enjoy a joyful, festive season that’s kinder to the planet and full of meaning.

For more inspiration, explore resources from Sustainability Victoria and Clean Up Australia:https://www.sustainability.vic...

Karyn Myers

Sustainability Coordinator

🏅 Year 9 EISM Grand Finals Success!

Congratulations to the seven Year 9 EISM teams who reached the Grand Finals in season 3!

A special shout out to our winning teams:

🏆 Girls softball

🏆 Boys Softball

🏆 Boys Touch Football

🏆 Boys Basketball B

 
We are proud of all the finalists.

Check out the coach match reports below for all the game-day highlights.

A special thanks to EISM who through their Instagram page  showcased the  Touch Football Final as their Match of the round. It gave us up to date score results and highlights throughout the match!

Year 11 VM Literacy Excursion - Crime and Punishment at Old Melbourne Gaol

On Tuesday 14th October, our Year 11 VM Literacy class visited the Old Melbourne Gaol to explore the history of crime and punishment in Australia as part of their Issues and Voices unit. Walking through the cells and learning about the harsh conditions faced by prisoners gave them a deeper understanding of how justice has changed over time. Students recognised the shift that has occurred from a brutal and unforgiving regime to a system that now focuses on justice and rehabilitation.

Following some morning tea in the sunshine, students then participated in a re-enactment of Ned Kelly’s trial in the original Magistrates Court. Having watched the 2003 film adaptation of Robert Drewe’s novel, ‘Our Sunshine’, the court session gave them some context and appreciation of the tension between public opinion and the law. Back at school, they have been completing tasks that require them to debate whether Kelly should be viewed as a rebellious and heroic bushranger or a dangerous, immoral criminal.

VM Literacy students are now continuing to examine how different perspectives shape public opinion and how people use their voices to challenge authority. The visit encouraged them to think critically about justice, ethics, and the power of storytelling in shaping Australian identity.

Alicia Wilson, Sam Eggleston and Aiden Giove

Teachers

Year 12 VM Literacy Excursion - Arcare Ringwood

Our Year 12 VM Literacy students visited Arcare Aged Care in Ringwood to meet and interact with residents as part of their Community Advocacy unit. Students were separated into small groups upon arrival, with some choosing to join in an art and craft activity, some participating in a games session and others sitting down with residents in the lounge to interview them about their lives and interests. It was wonderful to see students chatting, laughing and playing games with the residents. Our students displayed patience, kindness and maturity, prompting compliments from staff and residents at the end of the visit.

One of our students, Jess, wrote a letter to the group of women she spent time with:

Thank you for being so welcoming and so lovely to speak to. Having the chance to have a conversation was really meaningful and special. Hearing your life stories and the many words of advice will be very beneficial in the future. Thank you for spending time with us and we wish you and your families all the best for the future.

We hope that this will be the beginning of a meaningful connection between Aquinas and Arcare and we look forward to our next visit.

Alicia Wilson and Josh Wakefield 

Teachers

The Year 10 Student and Teacher group attended their annual retreat in three locations that included the Yarra Valley, Bulleen and Parkville. The day provided an opportunity for students to ‘step back’ and reflect on the year passed and the future ahead with VCE only weeks away from beginning.

Students spent time in icebreaker activities, prayer, reminiscing and writing letters to themselves that they will receive and read again on their Year 12 Retreat in 2027. You could almost call this the ‘timeless retreat’ as it has a focus on the past, present and future.

Bernard Green

RE - Learning area leader

The YFC Team were delighted to host the parents of  2026 Year 7 students for our annual Talking Transition Workshop. We explored their hopes and fears for their children when starting Year 7 and there was comfort in the similarities between parents. Parents watched a video of some past Year 7 students who set their minds at ease with the information that their child won’t get into instant trouble if they get lost and get to class late and the teachers are actually pretty nice!!

Everybody loves a role play and we tried to trick the parents into thinking they would be writing and performing a role play in front of the audience. This simulated the way many of our young people may be feeling about starting secondary school. Some parents were excited and up for the challenge we gave them and others dreading it and openly exclaimed “no way!!” and tried to hide by putting their heads down. All types of feelings are normal and natural and Aquinas staff have seen it all and are ready for those that are excited and confident and those that are nervous and filled with trepidation.

A few of our willing YFC team members professionally acted out some common scenarios. The first was a young person who told their parents of a major assignment due the next day and it had not been started. Should the parent A) Send their child to bed for an early night, while they run to OfficeWorks, get all the supplies, take the next day off work, complete their child's assignment, deliver it to school, ultimately saving their child or B) Advise their child to email the teacher, admit their error, ask for help and potentially, face a small penalty? (Hint- the answer is B) The second scenario is more emotionally challenging as it involves a young person ringing their parent, crying from the toilet because they are having a really upsetting day and want to be picked up from school. Should the parent A) Advise their child to go and find a trusted teacher, a House Leader, their Mentor Teacher or go to the YFC or Health Centre or B) Drop everything, leave work, meet their child at one of the back gates and take them home to make it all better? (Hint- the answer is A)

For parents, especially those who are first time secondary school parents, these scenarios can be daunting and upsetting and of course we want to save our children and make them happy however, the goal is to empower our young people, build their confidence and resilience and provide them with the school resources they need to get the support at school. This workshop provided parents with some tips and advice on how to work through these challenges. It was also a fantastic opportunity to start our partnership with families that we hope will flourish for many years to come. We wish all of our 2026 Year 7 Parents and Guardians the best of luck over the coming busy and exciting weeks. It was wonderful to meet so many of you last week and to start this important journey together.

Sharon Daley
Director of Student Services

Splendour in November  - Festival of Life, Light and Sound

What an amazing evening last Wednesday as Aquinas celebrated Splendour in November: a festival of life, light and Sound. Starting with a family mass, parents, students and siblings celebrated the end of year together before heading out to festivities.

Three different music stages, drama performances, fashion displays, and three locations of arts displays filled the MY Quad, D building and surrounding areas. While a BBQ run by staff and our PACE Network group organised tea, coffee and something sweet to eat. Every now and then you would hear a cheer as someone won a chocolate at the chocolate toss and there were rounds of applause as students performed throughout the evening.

We also had Talking Transition and VCE Information evenings run during the night which again helped bring our community together. As these parents entered the foyer, they saw a beautiful Christmas display created by students.

There was a lovely atmosphere and the weather was perfect as people could wander around the different activities, catch up with friends and celebrate their student’s achievements across 2025.

Here are just some of the photos from the evening. 

I would like to thank: 

• Fr Dispin who came and celebrated mass with us.
• PACE Network parents for creating a wonderful atmosphere with the decorated tables and sweet treats.
• All of the staff who spent many hours preparing for the event
• And finally our families who came and supported the students.

Here are just some of the photos from the evening.

Tania Grace

Assistant Principal - Mission

On a very busy night for so many families, students and staff, we held our final Family Mass for the year. Combining with ‘Splendour in November’, the 11RE Music students led by Ms Mercer provided prayerful and memorable music for our celebration of Eucharist presided magnificently by Fr Dispin John.

Our gospel was the Angel Gabrielle’s visit to Mary with what can only be considered today as some pretty shocking news for the time: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.”(Luke 1:35). I try to image one of our Middle Years students making this reply today: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”(Luke 1:38).

Fr Dispin spoke about the anticipation of the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons and how it can be a time of reflection and celebration all tied into one for our welcoming of Jesus on Christmas Day. A big thank you also to Kiah S, Holly K, Sarah D from 11EDGE who led our readings.

Bernard Green

11EDGE teacher

Our Music Vocal students had a wonderful opportunity on Thursday, 20 November, when they visited Arcare Ringwood to perform for residents. This visit was a heart-warming experience for both students and the Arcare community, and the performance was met with genuine enthusiasm and gratitude.

Following the visit, Arcare Ringwood shared a beautiful message of appreciation:

“Our residents were extremely excited to meet the students, as many feel a special connection with Aquinas for various reasons.
They absolutely loved the concert. Even though the songs were not from their era, they enjoyed every moment and are already asking when the students will be coming again.
Thank you again for such a wonderful visit. We would be very happy to welcome you back anytime.”

We are incredibly proud of our students for the joy and kindness they have brought to others through their performances. Their willingness to share their gifts reflects beautifully the values of the Aquinas community.

Updated Spartan Uniform Price List

It is a clear expectation that all students at Aquinas wear the College uniform correctly and proudly.

Spartan supplies all facets of the uniform to our families. All items can be conveniently purchased on line or in store. The online facility includes the options of free home delivery for Aquinas families, or pick up from the shop can be arranged. 

Link to Current Uniform Price List

Spartan School World

1/210–214 Canterbury Road
Bayswater North
(03) 9070 8284
spartanss.com.au

Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
First Saturday of the month 9.00am - 12.00pm

If you need assistance with the College uniform and student personal appearance requirements please read here Aquinas College uniform requirements.